A police officer commanding Mtunthama Police Station, identified as Mr Payipalero, is facing serious allegations of sexual exploitation after allegedly demanding sexual favours from Violet Banda, the wife of a suspect arrested by the station over a disputed MK2.5 million transaction.
According to information in Cables’ possession, Banda’s husband was arrested over MK2.5 million which was allegedly intended for the purchase of farm produce on behalf of a friend, but the transaction was reportedly not completed.
Sources familiar with the matter allege that following the arrest, OC Payipalero approached Banda and suggested that she engage in sexual activity with him in exchange for her husband’s release.
However, Banda allegedly refused to meet the officer’s demands and subsequently reported his conduct to senior police authorities at the regional level.
The matter was also brought to the attention of traditional leaders Mphonongo, Chamatwa, Chimgonda and Mphepo.
Cables has further been informed that police officers who were on duty when the incident occurred were pressured by the OC to record a false account of events after Banda rejected his sexual demands.
The incident happened about a month ago, but concerns are now mounting over what sources describe as efforts by senior police officers to shield Payipalero from accountability despite the allegations and evidence reportedly presented against him.
Meanwhile, Banda’s husband is reportedly being held on remand at Kasungu Prison, where he has spent approximately one month.
Cables is pursuing further details and will seek responses from other authorities on the matter .
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